Mental health is important, regardless of your age or profession. Unfortunately, prolonged vacations from work or school can have a negative impact on mental health. A lack of mental stimulation, combined with the overindulgence that can occur during a vacation, can lead to depression or isolation.

Vacations can be restful, but too many of them can create a sedentary lifestyle that can lead to mental health issues. A study of employees from 118 organizations found that employees who had long, unplanned absences from their work, such as extended vacations, were more prone to reports of mental distress.

It’s not just too much time off work that can negatively affect mental health. Prolonged time away from school or college can also have an impact. A study found that students taking extended study breaks, such as summer vacations, were more likely to report signs of depression than students who stuck to their normal schedule and didn’t take prolonged breaks.

Overindulgence during a vacation can also have a detrimental effect on mental health. Vacations can present the opportunity for people to indulge in activities they wouldn’t normally participate in, such as drinking too much alcohol, eating unhealthy foods, or pursuing unhealthy activities, such as gambling. These activities can all lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety when it’s time to go back to work or school.

Social isolation is another potential consequence of taking too much vacation. If a person is regularly away from work for an extended period of time, they are likely to become disconnected from the social environment which can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. Also, if people are away from home for too long, they may begin to feel disconnected from their home environment, which can lead to feelings of disconnection and depression.

While taking a vacation can be an enjoyable experience, it’s important to keep it in moderation. If a person takes too much time off work or school, they may experience negative mental health effects. Vacations can refresh and reinvigorate the body, but it is important to establish boundaries and limits in order to keep mental health in check.